In the depths of the great forest, Mārīca, who deeply understood Rāma’s might, found his mind troubled and fearful. With hands joined in respect, he addressed Rāvaṇa, the king of the Rākṣasas, speaking words that were honest and meant for the welfare of both himself and Rāvaṇa. Hearing the command of his lord, Rāvaṇa, the eloquent and radiant Mārīca replied with gravity. “O King,” he began, “it is easy to find those who always speak pleasant words, but rare indeed is the one who speaks and listens to what is unpleasant yet wholesome. You do not truly know Rāma—he is exalted in strength and virtue, unpredictable in his ways, ever-restless, and equal to Indra and Varuṇa in power. “May all the Rākṣasas, dear one, remain safe; may Rāma, if angered, not bring ruin upon the worlds and our race. May the daughter of Janaka not become the cause of your destruction; may calamity not befall us all because of Sītā. May the city of Lanka, along with all the Rākṣasas, not be destroyed because you, their lord, are swept away by unchecked desires. “A king ruled by desire, of poor character, listening to wicked counsel, brings ruin upon himself, his kin, and his entire realm. Rāma was never cast out by his father, nor did he ever overstep his bounds; he is not greedy, nor of ill repute, nor a blemish upon the race of Kṣatriyas. He, the joy of Kausalyā, is filled with the virtues of dharma. He is gentle to all beings and devoted to their welfare. “When his truthful father was deceived by Kaikeyī, that righteous one simply said, ‘I will do it,’ and went into exile in the forest. For the sake of Kaikeyī’s wish and his father Daśaratha, he abandoned the kingdom and all pleasures to dwell in the Daṇḍaka forest. Rāma is not harsh, nor ignorant, nor uncontrolled; you should not speak false or unworthy things about him. “Rāma is dharma embodied, noble, steadfast in truth and valor; he is the king of the world, like Indra among the gods. How do you think to seize Vaidehī, Sītā, who is protected by her own radiance, as one would try to steal the brilliance of the sun? You should not seek to enter the blazing fire that is Rāma in battle, whose arrows are like flames, whose fury is unending, and who cannot be approached. “He, with his mighty bow and radiant presence, whose arrows are like burning fire, is unyielding and fierce, the destroyer of enemy hosts. You should not, dear one, bring about your own end here for the sake of Rāma, who has already abandoned kingdom, comfort, and even his own cherished life. The brilliance of Rāma, whose wife is the daughter of Janaka, is immeasurable; you cannot take her, guarded as she is by Rāma’s bow in the forest. “To that lion among men, broad-chested and radiant, his wife—ever devoted—is dearer than life itself. That beloved of the mighty son of Mithilā, Sītā of slender waist, cannot be violated—she is like the blazing flame of a sacrificial fire. Why undertake this futile endeavor, lord of the Rākṣasas? If Rāma sees you in battle, it will surely be your end. “If you wish to enjoy life, happiness, and your rare kingdom for a long time, do not do what displeases Rāma. Gather your counselors, led by Vibhīṣaṇa, and deliberate with the righteous; weigh faults and virtues, strengths and weaknesses. Knowing your own strength and that of Rāghava, decide what is truly beneficial and proper. “But I believe it is not fitting for you to face the son of the king of Kosala in battle. Now listen again to this excellent and proper counsel, lord of the night-walkers. “Once, in ages past, I myself roamed this earth by my own might, bearing the strength of a thousand elephants, like a mountain. Dark as a rain cloud, adorned with blazing golden earrings, terrifying the world, crowned and wielding a mace as my weapon, I wandered the Daṇḍaka forest, consuming the flesh of sages. The great and righteous sage Viśvāmitra, terrified of me, went to King Daśaratha and pleaded, ‘Let Rāma protect me during my sacrifice.’ “Viśvāmitra said, ‘O King, a terrible fear of Mārīca has arisen in me.’ At that, the righteous Daśaratha replied, ‘This Rāghava is not yet twelve years old and untrained in the arts of war. My army will go with me; with my fourfold force, I myself will confront the night-stalker. I will slay your enemy, best of sages, as you desire.’ “But the sage responded, ‘There is no other force in the world, apart from Rāma, sufficient against that Rākṣasa; even among the gods, you are the protector in battles. The deed you performed, O king, is renowned throughout the three worlds; though you have a great army, let it remain here, O scorcher of foes. Even though he is a boy, this one of great brilliance is capable of restraining him. I will go, taking Rāma with me—may you fare well, O subduer of enemies.’ “Having spoken thus, the sage, exceedingly pleased, took the prince and departed for his own hermitage.” Thus, Mārīca, with sincerity and fear, recounted his own past and the might of Rāma, urging Rāvaṇa to reconsider and abandon his perilous design against Sītā and the mighty son of Daśaratha.